In article <5qdrdc$fje$1@haus.efn.org>, lbailey@jeffnet.org says...

>I am planning on buying a long zoom lens, either the 70-210, 80-200, or
>75-300. I'd like to know what others' experience with these lenses have
>been, re: optical quality, cost value, etc. I know the 80-200 2.8 is
>supposed to be exceptional, but it seems to be out of my price range. I
>am drawn to the 75-300 because I like to do some nature photography but
>the 70-210 also interests me because of cost. I really see little in the
>way of lens testing of the 75-300 so how is its optical quality? Any
>responses might help. Thanks.

The 80-200mm f2.8 is really excellent, and still excellent (though not
easy to focus) with the TC14/14B/14C teleconverters. The 70-210 f4-5.6
is decent, but never one of my favorites. The MF 70-210 f4E and early AF,
and the 80-200mm f4 are better. The old MF 80-200 f4.5 is also quite good.
The one 75-300mm Nikkor I tried was fine, as is the MF 100-300mm f5.6.
BTW, the 70-210 f4E is quite good on the TC14A. You may find my
"SUBJECTIVE Lens Evaluations (Mostly Nikkors)" interesting - it is on my
web page under "Ritingz" and "I babble...".
Hope This Helps
(David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether )